Police have arrested two men after a burglary in Brighton – and officers said that they had seized a firearm, knife and sledgehammer.
Sussex Police said that the burglary happened shortly before midnight last night (Wednesday 4 January) in Plaistow Close, Whitehawk, near where the John Lewis Christmas advert was filmed in 2015.
The force said: “Two men have been arrested and a firearm seized after an aggravated burglary in Brighton on Wednesday night (4 January).
“Police were called to Plaistow Close, in Brighton, at 11.45pm following a report of men breaking into a property, threatening the occupants and taking a number of items.
“Officers visited the scene and a suspicious vehicle was identified, traced to the northbound M23 and stopped on the M25 shortly after midnight.
“A number of items were seized, including a firearm and a sledgehammer.
“Two men aged 23 and 27, both from London, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate, aggravated burglary with intent and possession of a knife/pointed article in a public place.
“They remain in custody at this time.”
Detective Superintendent Rachel Carr said: “We understand incidents such as these are concerning for the community and, thanks to the swift response of our officers, we have been able to bring two suspects into custody and take a firearm off the streets.
“I would like to reassure the public that this is believed to be an isolated incident with no wider threat to the community.
“A full investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened and to identify any further suspects.”
